Fall &W inter 2020
The premier recreational guide for Benzie, Manistee and Mason VENTURE: FALLcounties 2020 1
2 MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE
Index Hiking trails.................................................................................................................4 Hunting in Michigan............................................................................................5 Ludington attractions..........................................................................................6 Apples, cider and doughnuts.........................................................................7 Alpaca farms..............................................................................................................8 Benzie county fishing..........................................................................................9 Running trails in Benzie County.................................................................10 Fall foliage................................................................................................................12 Nature on two wheels......................................................................................13 Snowshoeing at Ludington State Park...................................................14 Snowmobiling in northwest Michigan..................................................16 Tracks in the snow...............................................................................................17 Area offers best skiing options around..................................................19 Family-friendly outdoor activities..............................................................20
STAFF Michelle Graves - Editor mgraves@pioneergroup.com Arielle Breen - Assistant editor arielle.breen@pioneergroup.com Scott Fraley - Writer Kyle Kotecki - Writer Colin Merry - Writer, photographer Robert Myers - Writer, photographer Dylan Savela - Writer, photographer Michael Passarelli- Designer Sandy Card - Media consultant scard@pioneergroup.com Chad Wardie - Media consultant chad.wardie@pioneergroup.com Ann Wilkosz - Media consultant awilkosz@pioneergroup.com Kim Evans - Media consultant kimberly.evans@pioneergroup.com This publication is a production of the Pioneer Group/Hearst Newspapers Michigan
VENTURE: FALL 2020
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Lost Lake and Island Loop Trail shows off some of Ludington State Park's best scenery.
Five hiking trails you must hit this fall BY ROBERT MYERS VENTURE STAFF WRITER Summer may have ended, but that doesn't mean there aren't opportunities to get outside and enjoy the great scenery that Benzie, Mason and Manistee counties offer. The days may be numbered on Lake Michigan for swimming, as are those when the mercury crosses the 70-degree mark, however, for many local hiking trails, fall and winter provide unique and excellent experiences, often without the summer crowds. Check out a few of these local hiking destinations you don't want to miss: 1. Baldy Dune Trail (Arcadia Dunes C.S. Mott Nature Preserve) A great all-seasons trail located near the border of Benzie and Manistee counties, Baldy Dune Trail can be found in the Arcadia Dunes C.S. Mott Nature Preserve just north of Arcadia on M-22. The preserve features several trails, but not to miss is the one-mile trail leading from the parking lot to Baldy Dune overlooking Lake Michigan. The park also has a universally accessible trail to an overlook than is only a one-mile round trip. Either location is perfect for a Lake Michigan sunset, and is also a great hike during color season, and even in the winter months when snowshoeing is a popular activity on the trail. 2. Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve Trail (Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve) The preserve may be relatively small and the trail loop less than two-miles long, but Green Point Dunes gets an A for scenery and is always a great spot to take a picture for that empty spot on the wall.
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The trailhead can be found just a few miles south of Elberta, just off M-22, and from there a walk through the forest takes hikers to a pair of stunning overlooks, one surveying lower Herring Lake and Lake Michigan to the south and another on a bluff surveying Lake Michigan and its shoreline. If the conditions are right you can even spot a submerged shipwreck just offshore. So whether you have the greens of summer; the reds, oranges and yellows of fall; or the white snow and ice flows of winter, you can't find a hike much more picturesque than Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve Trail.
30 miles, following the Manistee River Trail on the east side of the river and the North Country Trail on the west side of the river, with crossings at Red Bridge as well as a suspension bridge just south of Hodenpyl Dam. The east side of the loop is especially scenic as the Manistee River Trail follows closely along the the Manistee River, providing many access points and overlooks. This section of the trail features a number of sites for overnight camps, and several creeks and small cascades. The changing leaves of fall will only add to this impressive scenery.
3. Lost Lake and Island Loop Trail (Ludington State Park)
5. Nordhouse Dunes Trail (Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area)
This 2.1-mile loop trail is a must hike if you're in the area. It is stunningly beautiful as you cross bridges, hike through the woods and a walk along a boardwalk, amidst stunning greens and blues.
Nordhouse Dunes may be a wilderness area, but the word has definitely gotten out about this scenic location.
The trail features mixed forests, so expect reds, oranges and yellows to be added to the pallet if you're heading out during color season. The loop circles Lost Lake, crossing several bridges where it flows into lower Hamlin Lake, which borders the eastern half of the trail. There, you can look out and see islands in the lake. There are also beautiful marshland habitats to gaze at. With the exception of one incline and decline on the northwest side of the lake, the trail is flat, making it one that the whole family can enjoy. Just don't forget the camera! 4. Manistee River Loop Trail Loop (Manistee National Forest) This trail is especially popular among backpackers, but sections can also be walked for a day hike. The complete loop is roughly
The main trailhead for the wilderness area can be found on the west end of Nurnberg Road, between Manistee and Ludington. There are several ways to get to the beach, but the main Nordhouse Dunes Trail is easy to follow and will take hikers 1.5 miles through the woods and past several ponds to a dune overlooking Lake Michigan. From there, the excitement only begins. Hikers can head north along the beach toward Lake Michigan Recreation Area or south, where an expanse of rolling dunes will open up heading inland more than a mile from the beach. These dunes a perfect place to find seclusion and enjoy the beauty of the barren landscape. The area is quite popular among backpackers and during busy weekends in the summer cars can be found parked more than a half a mile down Nurnberg Road when the parking lot has filled up.
Hunting a timehonored tradition in Michigan BY DYLAN SAVELA VENTURE STAFF WRITER As sure as the leaves changing colors, fall in northwest Michigan brings deer hunters far and wide to the area.
Michigan seniors (age 65 and up). Additionally, deer licenses are $20 for residents or nonresidents and $8 for Michigan seniors.
For many, deer hunting is much more than a hobby, rather it's a way of life — a tradition. It isn't uncommon for family deer camps to date back generations, as loved ones — young and old — share in the annual practice, making unforgettable memories along the way.
To purchase a license, or for further information on licenses, visit www.mdnr-elicense.com.
The sport makes for a tremendous boost in Michigan's economy too, as nearly $2.3 billion is spent on hunting annually and $289 million goes to state and local taxes. A bulk of those sums are spent right here in northwest Michigan. But before hunters take to the woods, there are a few details of which they should definitely be aware. According to the Department of Natural Resources, an annual base license is required for every resident or nonresident who hunts in Michigan, unless otherwise noted. The base license allows hunters to hunt small game and to purchase additional hunting licenses. Base licenses are $6 for juniors, $11 for Michigan residents, $151 for nonresidents and $5 for
The DNR hosts several deer check station throughout Michigan. (Courtesy photo)
There are also many seasonal dates to mark on the calendar when it comes to deer hunting, which range from late September to the end of 2020. This year the Liberty Hunt (youth and hunters with disabilities) lands on the weekend of Sept. 12-13, while the early antlerless firearm season will be held the following weekend, Sept. 19-20. The Independence Hunt (hunters with disabilities) will be held Oct. 15-18.
Hunting is a time-honored tradition in Michigan. (Courtesy photo)
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The archery season for 2020 will be held from Oct. 1 to Nov. 14 and again from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1, 2021. The regular firearm season kicks off on Nov. 15 and will run to Nov. 30. Muzzleloading will run Dec. 4-13. Lastly, the late anterless firearm season will be held from Dec. 23 to Jan. 1, 2020. For hunters without a back forty of their own to hunt, there are plenty of options for public state wildlife and game areas to choose from. For an interactive map and details of these locations, visit www. michigan.gov/dnr.
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Maritime Museum gives visitors a chance to step into the area's maritime history, with a variety of interactive exhibits and digital storytelling.
The Amber Elk farm has 175 animals across three different pastures accessible by wagon tour. (Courtesy Photo)
The museum boasts three stories of exhibits that offer authentic artifacts, historic photographs, and the voices of people who played key roles in maritime industries that shaped the region.
Ludington offers fall attractions BY COLIN MERRY VENTURE STAFF WRITER The Ludington area has several attractions residents and visitors can still enjoy during the fall, both outdoors and in. Amber Elk Ranch Visitors to the Amber Elk Ranch can get a good look at a working elk farm, including opportunities to get up and personal with the ranch's elk. The main attraction is a wagon tour through the ranch's 130 acres across three different pastures, which is home to 175 elk. Visitors will see cows, spikers, calves and bull elk up close. Visitors can feed the cow elk, which come up to the wagon for a treat, and Amber Elk Ranch's bulls are internationally acclaimed. The tours are about an
hour long. The Angler Shed, the ranch's gift shop, has clothing, hats, decorative antlers and antler dog chews, as well as other elk products. Visitors can also talk to Bob and Dawn Northrup about the ranch, which was founded in 1999. Amber Elk Ranch is open on Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, until Oct. 13. For more information, including ticket price, visit amberelkranch.com or call (231) 843-5ELK. The ranch is located at 2688 W. Conrad Road in Ludington. Port of Ludington Maritime Museum The Port of Ludington
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Exhibits include Portholes to the Past, Beckoning Beacons, Mysteries Beneath the Waves and Steaming into the Future. The museum also has exhibits on individual ships, including exhibits on what life on a steamer or car ferry was like, as well as legends and tales surrounding the maritime industry. There also are exhibits and information on area lighthouses, the Coast Guard and the lumbering days. The museum overlooks Lake Michigan’s wild shoreline, Ludington’s iconic North Pier Light, and the Badger, a historic car ferry. The museum is operated by the Mason County Historical Society. The Port of Ludington Maritime Museum is open Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and ticket prices, visit ludingtonmaritimemuseum. org or call (231) 843-4808. The museum is located at 217 S. Lakeshore Drive in Ludington. Historic White Pine Village The Historic White Pine Village also gives visitors a look into the past, this time at an late 19th to early 20th
century pioneer village. The village has 30 exhibit buildings, including the original 1849 Mason County Courthouse, and an authentic turn-of-thecentury steam locomotive, tender car, and flat car loaded with logs and a working sawmill. Buildings include cabins, a school, a general store, a trappers cabin, a chapel, a sugar shack, lumber camp buildings, a barn, blacksmith, post office and farm house, among others. There are also specific museum buildings, such as the Museum of Music and Abe Nelson Lumbering Museum. Each building itself contains artifacts of the past, and visitors come faceto-face with early settlers: first-person interpreters with scripts carefully prepared by staff and historians, they interact and improvise with visitors in the persona of historical characters and recreate actual personages from Mason County. While there are buildings to enter, much of the tour is outside, and the buildings are open to airflow. A full tour of all the buildings takes about two hours. The White Pine Village is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. The museum is located at 1687 S. Lakeshore Drive, Ludington. For more information and ticket prices, visit historicwhitepinevillage.org or call (231) 843-4808.
This fall, take an apple, cider and doughnut tour BY DAVID YARNELL VENTURE STAFF WRITER When you start to feel a little chill in the air, it’s time for an apple, cider and doughnut tour. You won’t have any problem finding places to go for this fall ritual. No matter which way you head out of Manistee, there will be plenty of fall color – and fall treats. If you are heading north from Manistee, you’ll probably want to take a left at the Little River Casino Resort and head up M-22 which, by the way, offers one of the best color tours in America. There are tens of thousands of apple (not to mention cherry) trees along M-22 between Manistee and Traverse City. Just down the road from the casino is Douglas Valley Winery. It’s a great place to enjoy everything fall has to offer – complete with several varieties of hard cider. You might want to stop in Onekama for pie and coffee, and if it’s Friday from 2-6 p.m., at the farmers market. After that, continue north to Miller Brothers Farm Markets and Miller’s Northwood Market. Miller’s Brothers have two market locations throughout the growing season – one on M-22 just north of Onekama and the other on US-31 in Bear Lake. Both feature a diverse variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and fall fare. Miller’s Northwood Market has a wide selection of artisan preserves, fruits and vegetables. They are famous for their “Pierport Farms” line of preserves and also have a vast selection of Michigan made products from stores like Cherry
Republic and Glenwood Market. It is located halfway between Onekama and Arcadia on M-22. If you diverge from M-22 a bit you can visit Wee Bee Jammin’ Up North just north of Bear Lake. This shop specializes in jams and honey products, including an Apple Peaches Pumpkin Pie fruit butter that is billed as the closest thing you can get to the fall season in a jar. Next stop might be Apple Valley Orchards, just west of Bear Lake on Milarch Road. Apple Valley offers 15 varieties of apples as well as other fruits and goodies. Northern Natural Cider House and Winery, on Chief Road near Kaleva, offers a wide selection of hard ciders and wines. A bit further off the beaten path is the Iron Fish Distillery near Thompsonville. In 2013 it became Michigan’s first working farm solely dedicated to the practice of distilling small-batch craft spirits. Other farmers markets in the area are in Manistee (Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon), Frankfort (Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Bear Lake (Fridays, 1:30-5:30 p.m.) and Benzonia (Mondays 3-7 p.m.).
Iron Fish has an outdoor seating area, allowing customers to sit spread out across a large space. activities – a u-pick pumpkin patch, corn maze, apple shooting cannons, wagon rides and more. Further into Mason County one can find Christofferson Farms – which offers farm market items as well as u-pick apples. It is located at 3441 S.
Morton Road. Not far away is another great place to visit in the fall – Amber Elk Ranch. It is a 130 acre farm with beautiful pasture land with cows, calves and bull elk up. It is located south of Ludington at 2688 W. Conrad Road.
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If you decide to head south from Manistee, a first stop might be just into Mason County – Orchard Market, at the intersection of U.S. 31 and Free Soil Road. Orchard Market also has a Ludington location.
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An alpaca acting as a "nanny" watches some of the new alpacas at Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm. (Courtesy Photo)
Alpaca farms offer chance to see animals up close and personal BY COLIN MERRY VENTURE STAFF WRITER Families looking for outdoor fun can see visit working alpaca farms and get a chance to see the prized Peruvian animals up close. Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm in Benzie County welcomes visitors, free of charge to enjoy the calming experience of alpaca watching. The alpacas roam several pastures, and visitors can sit, or stand along the fence and watch alpacas young and old go about their business.The gentle animals are therapeutic, and have a calming effect on people. Now two alpacas are alike; each has its own different colors, faces and personalities. About 11 baby alpaca were born on the farm this year, and several more are expected in September. Alpacas aren't the only animals at the farm, the herd is guarded by donkeys and Great Pyrenees dogs, which also make an appearance and can be quite friendly.
Crystal Lake Alpaca Farms recently added an animal park, were visitors can pet and receive a small portion of food to feed alpacas, Nigerian dwarf goats and miniature donkeys, for a small fee. Beyond seeing the alpacas and other animals, visitors to Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm can also tour the two boutiques on the property. The farm started with just one boutique only open a few days a week selling hats, scarves and mittens made from alpaca fiber. Now it offers teddy bears, coats, sweaters, blankets, throws, socks and so much more, all made from alpaca fiber.
the alpacas and take them to shows across the United States. Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm has won Small Breeder of the Year Award on three occasions, and now the farm has moved up a class to be considered a medium-sized farm. G & D Alpaca Farm Manistee's G & D Alpaca Farm is also open to visitors, and offers a chance for visitors to escape to a calmer place by watching alpacas and walking wooded trails. The farm is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday, until Oct. 31.
The boutique also features and sells wood furniture and dĂŠcor crafted from trees harvested on the farm property.
The farm's main draw is the alpaca herd, which in front of the main house. The herd is split into males and females; both an easy walking distance from the farm's parking lot.
Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm is located at 4907 River Road, between Frankfort and Benzonia. For more information, call (231) 920-7085 or visit crystallakealpacaboutique.com.
Visitors are encouraged to watch the soothing alpaca, either walking the farm grounds or relaxing on patio furniture. Families can even bring a picnic meal to the farm, if they desire.
The Nelsons first started the farm 18 years ago with six alpacas. Now the farm has 50 alpacas. Each year, they breed
Aside from pastures, visitors can also see what goes on inside the farm's barn, as long as they remain respectful of the animals.
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G & D Alpaca Farm also has a fairy trail, through a stand of pines where visitors will find sea shells, including large ocean clam shells. Visitors can use the sticks and stones they find, along with the shells, to make a fairy house to hang in the branches of the trees along the trail. There is a boutique in the farmhouse basement, where alpaca products are sold, including yarn from the farm's alpacas, which has the animal's individual names on the packaging. The boutique also offers items from Peru, like hats, coats, gloves, scarves and gourdwork. Bracelets and alpaca pens round out the boutique's offerings, as well as soap and jewelry, which is made in Michigan. A "pick-your-own flower garden" was added to the farm this year. G & D Alpaca Farm was started in 2018. For more information, visit G & D Alpaca Farm's Facebook page or call (231) 723-2838. The farm is located at 4796 Maple Road in Manistee.
Benzie County offers plenty of 'bank' fishing BY KYLE KOTECKI VENTURE STAFF WRITER The world of fishing can seem overwhelming with all of its fish finders, GPS trackers and expensive boats. That being said, one can enjoy a successful day of fishing with little more than a rod, a reel and a lot of patience. Home to 33 inland lakes and plenty of rivers and creeks, Benzie County offers fall anglers plenty of locations where anyone can catch dinner without stepping foot off the shore. Those in Benzie County find themselves spoiled for choice. Christine Murphy, owner of the Frankfort Tackle Box, knows just where to send people looking for a place to wet their lines. "One of the best bass fisheries is right here in Betsie Bay," she said. "There are pike — people catch some nice pike out there, too. I sell tons and tons of nightcrawlers and worms. ... That's all you need to fish there. There are also burbot and catfish." Murphy owns the Frankfort Tackle Box along with her husband, Brian. The store is in its 45th year of existence and the Murphys have owned it for the past 22. No major overhaul was necessary as the store's goal is to offer quality gear, fair prices and a homey atmosphere. "It's this little old white building with blue awnings," Murphy said of the store. "We kept it the way it is. We paint it every couple years. ... And it's got the old table. You can sit down and have a cup of coffee and shoot the breeze. "But we kept all that because a lot of people come in and they say, 'My grandfather used to bring me here,'" she continued. "'Now
I'm bringing my kid.' We get a lot of that." Betsie Bay — also known as Betsie Lake — has multiple points of access for those without a boat. On the Frankfort side alone there is a T-dock, the Frankfort City Boat Launch — where anglers often fish the weeds just off the shoreline — and the Frankfort Municipal Marina. "There are a lot of places," Murphy said. "As long as you are not obstructing the people who are renting slips, you can cast off those docks, too." Of course, the fish are on the other side of the bay, too, and Murphy knows of a great spot in Elberta. "At the Elberta Waterfront Park, they built a long fishing platform where the boats used to sit," she said. "It's where (the SS City of Milwaukee) used to sit. When they sucked it out, it created all of this structure down there. That boat sat there for years. They built a fishing dock and platform horizontally along the shoreline.
Anglers of all ages can catch fish with nothing more than a rod, a reel and a whole lot of patience. thing." With 33 inland lakes in Benzie County, it can be difficult to hone in on which one to fish. Murphy is quick to tell anglers to try their luck at Lower Herring Lake, however. "There's an inlet there that goes out to Lake Michigan. People fish that inlet all year long," she said.
"... Depending on the time of year, (one can catch) largemouth, perch, rock bass, smallmouth, walleye, sucker and pike. Salmon and steelhead will run through there because of that inlet connecting to Lake Michigan." It is no secret that Crystal Lake
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"That is some of the best fishing there is," Murphy continued. "The fish will congregate there because of that spot — because of all the structure where the ship used to be." During the salmon run, the Frankfort and Elberta piers can be lined with anglers. Fishing the salmon run in Benzie County makes for some of the best fishing not only in Michigan, but in the nation. "We have people come from all over the country to fish that salmon run," Murphy said. "That's the one trip of the year, the uncles and the cousins and the kids — at a certain age they're allowed to come with the boys. It's a huge VENTURE: FALL 2020
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A look at some of the best offroad running trails in Benzie County BY ROBERT MYERS VENTURE STAFF WRITER
Road about two miles north of Arcadia, and park in the St. Pierre Trailhead parking lot. The preserve also has a number of easier trails accessible at the St. Pierre Trailhead or across the street at the Baldy Trailhead.
Summer can be busy and sometimes a little hot, but with the cooler days of fall returning, there might be no better time to break out the running shoes. Amidst an ongoing pandemic, many struggled to keep up with past workout routines, but running offers a way for individuals to stay in shape without worrying about whether their gym is open.
Lake Ann Pathway
Betsie Valley Pathway
On the east side, the trail runs along Lake Ann, while the west side trails pass alongside several smaller lakes and feature a boardwalk that follows along the Platte River.
Check out this list of some of the top local running trails, as recommended by some of the area's local runners.
There are some smaller hills, but nothing major, making this trail and easy to moderate.
Benzie Central’s Cross Country Course Every fall this course hosts the largest cross country meet in the region, and it is known as one of the faster cross country courses is the state. The flat course features dirt and grass covered trails as it travels through woods and fields for an easy 3.1 mile run around the Benzie Central High School campus. To access the trail, drive to Benzie Central High School on Homestead Road and park in the school parking lot. From there walk out back behind the school to find the starting line next to the football field. Betsie River Pathway This lesser known location features multiple trail options running through the Pere Marquette National Forrest just southwest of Thompsonville. The trails are narrow in places, but with few elevation changes, they make for an easy run as they pass through mixed forests and open meadows. To find the Betsie River Pathway, turn off M-115 onto Longstreet just west of Crystal Mountain and head south. From the parking lot runners can choose the five miles of trails on the east side of the road or the three miles of trails, briefly passing by the Betsie River, on the west side of the road.
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The Pere Marquette State Forest off Reynolds Road outside of Lake Ann offers a number of scenic paths for running. Two sets of trails are separated by Reynolds Road, and both prove equally scenic.
Old Indian Trail
Lake Ann Pathway Betsie Valley Trail This trail is the most improved of the county trails. It begins at Frankfort Beach and then passes by Betsie Lake, the Betsie River and Crystal Lake as it follows the old Ann Arbor Railroad path across the county to Thompsonville. The course is flat and easy to run. The western portion is paved, but the trail becomes gravel as it heads into Beulah and rougher as it continues eastward to Thompsonville. The multi-use day trail is owned by the Department of Natural Resources and stretches a total of 22 miles across the county. Dry Hills Trail For the toughest trail the county has to offer, head to the C.S. Mott Arcadia Dunes Nature Preserve and go for a run on the Dry Hills Trail. This 10-mile loop will provide an honest assessment of one’s physical condition with its many curves and hills. The roller coaster-type trail follows the wooded glacial moraine across the southern part of the county and is popular among mountain bikers. To find the trail, turn off M-22 onto St. Pierre
Part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Old Indian Trail provides several miles of trails that can be run in different loops. The pathway is wide and relatively flat, making this one of the county’s easiest trail runs. The trail is mostly wooded, except for an offshoot that passes through small dunes and leads down to Lake Michigan. To find the trail, look for the trailhead parking lot just north of Sutter Road along M-22.
Platte Plains Trails For more trail options in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, continue heading north along M-22. While there are several points to access the interconnecting trails located north of the Platte River, one popular point is the Otter Creek Trailhead located on Esch Road, just south of the Leelanau County line. There, runners can hit the 15-plus miles of trails that pass along Otter Creek and several small lakes, all within a mile or two of the Lake Michigan shoreline, which can be easily reached on many offshoot trails. Though the trails can be a bit narrow at times, there are no major inclines to speak of, making this an easy way to explore a large portion of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
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park and secluded."
holds a lot of fish. Whether you are after lake trout or a Master Angler rock bass, Crystal Lake has what you're looking for. Murphy said many people don't realize success can be found there even without the luxury of a boat.
Those looking to fish in some current need look no further than the Betsie River and Platte River. And if you're seeking a trophy salmon, the Betsie is the way to go.
"There are lots of places for access," she said. "... They put floating docks on the east side of Crystal Lake at the town of Beulah, Michigan. They redid it a couple years ago and they have docks to fish from." Upper Herring Lake, Loon Lake, Platte Lake and Bass Lake all have public access docks that can produce a lot of fish. Bass Lake stands out as particularly picturesque, Murphy said. "Bass Lake is in the park at Trails End (Road), north of the Platte River," she said. "It has a platform built on it. You can just go casting there. I send a lot of people there. It's just beautiful because it's in the
"The Betsie River is natural reproduction — one of the only natural reproduction for salmon in the state, and that's huge," Murphy said. "That's why we're having such great returns. "The fish that are caught coming through the bay, if they're clipped, they're planted," she continued. "But the biggest salmon that we catch out of the boats or in the bay — 30 pounds plus — all of them are natural. Not the planted ones." And fortunately for Benzie County anglers, there are plenty of spots one can fish the Betsie River without a boat. "There are many, many public accesses along the rivers that you're not trespassing on people's property," Murphy said. "Like that
The pier at the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse is often lined with anglers during the salmon run. railroad bridge — the railroad used to go over it and now it's a fishing platform at the mouth of the Betsie. Along the Betsie Valley Bike Trail, there are places where you can just cast into the Betsie River when the fish are running. ... There are miles and miles of river."
To say there are ample fishing opportunities in Benzie County — even without access to a boat — would be putting it mildly. Anyone can pop into the Frankfort Tackle Box and Christine or her husband Brian will happily point them in the right direction.
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Riding a bike along one of the area's plentiful trails is a good way to see fall's brilliant colors.
Manistee County offers stunning fall foliage BY SCOTT FRALEY VENTURE STAFF WRITER As the days grow shorter and the nights become colder, upper Michigan’s 19 million acres of forests transform into the brilliant gold and crimson of autumn. There's so much to love about fall in Manistee County — from the crisp breezes, warm spices and the warm rainbow of foliage which promises breathtaking beauty year-afteryear. Manistee County is no secret to dedicated “leaf peepers,” whose travel centers around fall color viewing. From mid-September through late October, thousands of these tourists will flock to northern Michigan to enjoy the area’s colorful foliage. In 2015, USA Today ranked M-22 as “America’s Favorite Scenic Autumn Drive.” The 116-mile stretch of highway competed against 19 other
scenic locations, including Hocking Hills Byway in Ohio and Maine’s Historic Route 1. According to Kathryn Kenny, executive director of Visit Manistee County, the area may have had a leg up in this competition: Northern Michigan boasts two distinct color seasons. “The fall season is a key draw to our beautiful part of the state, and we are so fortunate to have two distinct phases that extend our season,” said Kathryn Kenny, executive director of Visit Manistee County. “Our inland region shows earlier signs of fall color, and our Lake Michigan coastline stays green longer with warmth from the lake.”
The Thompsonville Trail in is a popular spot any time of the year. progresses. “We want to make it easy for visitors to find everything they need to have a wonderful autumn getaway, while enjoying the longer color season here,” Kenny said.
Visit Manistee County has introduced a series of fall color planning tools, designed to The autumnal equinox will help tourists and locals plan mark the official changing of their autumn activities for prime the seasons with fall kicking off colors during both coastal or on Sept. 22. inland peaks. Their tools denote One factor to be taken color change as the season
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into consideration for the fall forecast is the development of La Niña conditions. This phenomenon results in cooler than normal conditions near the equator of the Pacific Ocean which can influence the global weather pattern. The inland tour has traditionally showcased earlier signs of color, while coastal
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Experience nature on two wheels
Fat bike riding in the fall can provide some beautiful views during the peak color season.
BY DAVID YARNELL VENTURE STAFF WRITER If mountain biking is your thing, then the Benzie, Manistee and Mason county area is the place to be. Ken Blakey-Shell, a volunteer on and user of area trails, weighed in on his favorites. “In my opinion, the best trails are the Arcadia Dry Hill at Arcadia Dunes, Crystal Mountain/Betsie River Pathway, Big M, the North Country Trail and the Ludington Urban Singletrack,” he said. “Arcadia is a favorite for most riders. It is flowy, fun and accessible to most all rider levels. “Big M is special because there are so many options in a fairly compact area. That said, the trails are a bit more old school (hand built, erosion has exposed roots, bumps and sand) and many of the trails are pretty hilly. “The North Country Trail is amazing due to how much geographic area you can cover. The best section is on the north end between Dilling and Beers roads, but it is very hilly and challenging.” Blakey-Shell also had praise for the Ludington Urban Singletrack. “It has more than enough miles of trail to make it destination-worthy and since you are right in town it is great to be able to easily get a post ride beverage or food. The trails are not especially challenging but are still fun and flowy. “In the winter Big M is definitely the crowned jewel for fat biking,” he continued. “The Ludington School Forest (one section of the Urban Singletrack system) is also groomed and fun. Crystal Mountain does a great job grooming their fat bike trails too.” The Big M Cross Country Ski and Mountain Biking Area is one of Michigan’s most beautifully-forested areas, in the heart of the Manistee National Forest. There are over 40 miles of mountain bike trails, with varieties of difficulty from novice to expert. The Big M is located in the Manistee National Forest 14 miles east of Manistee on M-55 then four miles south on Udell Hills Road. More information is available at skibigm. org. The Manistee Non-Motorized Trails Park is also on M-55, only a few miles east of Manistee. Like the Big M, it also offers cross country skiing in the winter and mountain bike trails in the summer.
Continued on page 21 VENTURE: FALL 2020
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The Ludington State Park's guided snowshoe tours allow participants to learn about the park and get exercise in the wintertime.
Snowshoeing at Ludington State Park provides exercise, education BY KYLE KOTECKI VENTURE STAFF WRITER Sometimes it seems as though options are limited when it comes to outdoor activities in the winter, with many people opting to take a page out of the bears' playbook and hibernate until the first blades of grass start to peek up through the snow. The Ludington State Park offers a way for people to get up and moving in the cold winter months while also learning about northern Michigan's natural resources with guided snowshoe walks.
"I call them snowshoe guided walks instead of hikes, because some people see the word 'hike' and think it's going to be like a forced march or something like that. I like to make it more casual of a walk," he said. "When we're on the walk, we'll be talking about the natural resources and historic resources in the state park. When we're walking through the forest we'll stop and talk about the trees, tree diseases, the animals in the winter and what they're doing and we'll be looking for signs of animal activity in the forest."
Those who have never strapped on a pair of snowshoes Every Saturday in January and need not be concerned. the first three in February, park Wernette's mantra is: If you can interpreter Alan Wernette will be walk, you can snowshoe. leading free guided snowshoe "I'm a downhill skier, a hikes at 2 p.m. cross-country skier and a Wernette said the word "hike" snowshoer. Out of the three, may be a bit of a misnomer, the snowshoeing is by far the as the walks are laid-back and easiest," he said. "All you have appropriate for snowshoers of to do is pick your feet up and all skill levels. walk. You just walk like you 14 MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE
Snowshoeing is a beginner-friendly way to get out and explore the woods when the snow falls. normally would and you can walk in snowshoes. There's not a lot of mental strain while snowshoeing. In other words, when you come to a hill you don't have to worry about sliding into a tree. You don't have to worry about that with snowshoes because they're built to walk in; they're not built to ski in. They grip the snow as you're walking. Uphill, downhill — they're gripping. It's much easier.
"As long as they can pick their feet up and walk normal, they'll be fine." Wernette said the walks take little more than an hour to complete, and the route varies based on the conditions and number of people participating. "It's not a long walk. Again, we walk out mostly in the wooded dune area just to stay out of the wind, because there is a bitter cold wind coming off
The Ludington State Park offers a lantern-lit snowshoe and ski event every other Saturday in January and most of February. the lake," he said. "If there's no bitter cold wind and it's sunny out, which we get occasionally in the winter, then I'll take people out in the open sand dunes and talk about the resources out there, too. So, no two walks are exactly the same. There are some differences. "I do that because it makes it more interesting for people. It depends on how many people I have and the conditions I'm dealing with," Wernette said. "If there are a lot of people, then we'll take a little bit shorter walk to try to keep everyone together, which takes more time. If it's a smaller group, we can take a longer walk." The park will alternate between lantern-lit snowshoe and ski events, and nighttime guided walks on Saturdays at 6 p.m., though the schedule for those events will not be decided until November. "The weeks we don't have the lantern-lit walks, I do a guided night walk. We alternate that," Wernette said. "At 2 p.m. every Saturday I do a guided snowshoe walk. That's common throughout every Saturday, but then the evening activities are alternated."
see what kind of activities are happening at night. We listen to sounds. We'll stop and be quiet and listen to the sounds, just looking for activity that's going on in the night. The night hike is fairly popular, too." The lantern-lit snowshoe and ski events allow people to take in the natural beauty of the woods as they make their way to a bonfire for hot beverages and stimulating conversation. "Every other Saturday night we do what we call a lanternlit snowshoe and ski event. That's different than the guided walks," Wernette said. "What we do is light a three-quarter mile trail with lanterns, and there's a bonfire back by the amphitheater in the woods. I go back to the amphitheater area, get the bonfire going, and then we have hot cocoa and hot tea for people when they come back there. We have marshmallows for people to roast at the bonfire and I just answer peoples' questions.
The nighttime guided hikes allow snowshoers to experience the park with their ears as much as their eyes.
"People hike their way back there following the lanterns, they get back there and they stand around and we talk," he continued. "It's very informal, but I talk about the park, answering their questions about the park and then we do that every other night. There's no cost. It's free. It's a family thing."
"It's pretty neat. We use flashlights and headlamps," Wernette said. "We go out into the wooded dune area and
For more information about the snowshoe tours, call the Ludington State Park at (231) 843-2423.
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With an abundance of area trails to explore, snowmobiling is one of the many activities that thrives in Northwest Michigan.
Northwest Michigan a winter
wonderland for snowmobilers BY DYLAN SAVELA VENTURE STAFF WRITER When the snowflakes start to fly, Northwest Michigan becomes a winter wonderland for many outdoor enthusiasts. With an abundance of area trails to explore, snowmobiling is one of the many activities that thrives in these parts. But before the adventure starts, snowmobilers need to know a few important things. Firstly, according to the Department of Natural Resources, in addition to registering a snowmobile with the Secretary of State, a person (resident and nonresident) that operates a snowmobile in Michigan is required to purchase a snowmobile trail permit. The trail permit enables snowmobilers to ride statedesignated trails, thousands of
miles of public roads and on authorized public lands. A trail permit is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. State-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31 and grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground. According to the DNR, Michigan’s snowmobile program is fully funded by trail permit and registration dollars, which are directly reinvested into the program for the benefit of snowmobilers. The DNR says the funds pay for grooming, signage, maintenance, bridge and culvert construction, purchase of new equipment and liability insurance, as well as maintenance of trailhead amenities (signage, bathrooms, plowing of parking lots) and other snowmobile-related expenditures.
16 MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE
There are several ways to purchase a permit, including online through eLicense; in person at a number of DNR customer service centers; in person at a number of license agents approved by the DNR; and online with the Michigan Snowmobile & ORV Association. Snowmobilers also have a responsibility to ride safely. The DNR lays out a list of safety tips while enjoying Michigan's trails and scenery: • Ride on the right side of the trail; • Ride at a safe speed; • Ride sober; • Anticipate and yield to groomers; • Ride safe, so you make it home to your family and friends; • Keep your machine in top mechanical condition, and keep
headlights and tail lights clear of snow and ice and on at all times; • Wear insulated boots and protective clothing, including a helmet, gloves and eye protection; • Check the weather conditions before you depart, and never ride alone; • When possible, avoid crossing frozen bodies of water; if you do cross such waters, never operate in a single file line; • Remain alert to avoid fences, low-strung wires and branches and to spot depressions in the snow; • When approaching an intersection, come to a complete stop, raise off the seat and look both ways for traffic. For more information on snowmobiling in the state or for trail maps, visit michigan.gov/ dnr/ .
After birds like snowy owls have landed on prey and scoops it up in its talons, brush strokes can be left behind in the snow after lifting off. (DNR Courtesy photo)
Tracks in the snow: What went by? BY ARIELLE BREEN VENTURE STAFF WRITER Whether it is a solo trek through snowy trails or a family snowshoe excursion, one common perk of snow is seeing what tracks are left behind by wildlife in Northwestern Michigan.
• Bring a ruler or coin for size reference and take a photo, or a pencil and paper to sketch out the track; and
Rachel Leightner, wildlife outreach coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division, shared how to identify some of the common Michigan animals that can be found in the region.
Leightner listed some of the frequent wildlife that can be seen, heard or their tracks left behind.
A few tips for identifying animals in the snow are include: • First look at the overall size, shape and the pattern of the footsteps;
Deer have two toes that leave heart shaped tracks in the snow, ranging in different sizes. A deer’s winter coat has hollow hairs that acts as insulation, retaining heat that allows them to lie in snow without freezing. (DNR Courtesy photo)
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• Use a track identification field guide to review findings and identify the species.
Snowy Owl Snowy owls migrate south to Michigan in the winter when food supply in the Arctic tundra is in short supply. They typically can be found in northern forests
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Small mammals like shrews and voles create their own ecosystem under the snow. In the layer between the snow surface and the ground, these critters build trails that allow them to travel without being exposed to the cold air and predators. (DNR Courtesy photo)
Turkeys are still active in winter and they have a large track with three narrow toes pointing forward and one toe pointing back. They measure about 3.75 to 5 inches long and 4 to 5.5 inches wide. (DNR Courtesy photo)
Continued from page 17 hunting small rodents. After an owl has landed on prey and scoops it up in its talons, brush strokes can be left behind in the snow after lifting off.
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Wild Turkey Turkeys are still active in winter. They have a large track with three narrow toes pointing forward and one toe pointing back. They measure about 3.75 to 5 inches long and 4 to 5.5 inches wide. Song birds have similar tracks but are much smaller. White-Tailed Deer Deer have two toes that leave heart shaped tracks in the snow, ranging in different sizes. A deer’s winter coat has hollow hairs that acts as insulation, retaining heat that allows them to lie in snow without freezing.
Small Mammals Small mammals like shrews and voles create their own ecosystem under the snow. In the layer between the snow surface and the ground, these critters build trails that allow them to travel without being exposed to the cold air and predators. Snowshoe Hare These hares transition from brown or tan summer coats to pure white coats in the winter to conceal them from predators. They have advantageous, large back feet that allow them to sit on top of deep snow, helping them to move faster and reach foods more easily. Wildlife enthusiasts interested in learning more about Michigan’s critters can visit michigan.gov/wildlife.
Area offers best skiing options around BY DAVID YARNELL VENTURE STAFF WRITER For some of us, there’s nothing better than waking up on a mid-winter morning with temperatures in the teens and a fresh blanket of snow covering the area’s cross country ski trails. Ken Blakey-Shell is one of the area’s top volunteers and frequent users of the area’s cross country ski and bicycle trails. Which trails does he consider to be the best in this part of Michigan? “For skate skiing, Crystal Mountain is by far the best option, but the Manistee Trail Park is also very good,” he said. “The trail park is flat and beginner-friendly but has enough corners to be a great place to get in a quick ski if you are close by.” Crystal Mountain, located on M-115 just north of the Manistee County line, has 50 downhill slopes and more
than 25 miles of groomed cross country ski trails. More information is available at crystalmountain.com. The Manistee Non-Motorized Trail Park is just east of Manistee on M-55. It has 3.8 miles of trail groomed for skate and classic skiing and 5.4 miles groomed for fat bikes. “For classic skiing, Big M is a great option with a wide variety of skill level trails as well as great grooming,” Blakey-Shell said. “Crystal is another great place for classic cross country skiing. Its trails are just more open and wide so it’s a very different experience than Big M. Orchard Beach State Park has started grooming a few miles of classic trails as well." The Big M Cross Country Ski and Mountain Biking Area is located in the Manistee National Forest 14 miles east of Manistee on M-55 then four miles south on Udell Hills Road. It offers almost 40 miles
of trails. More information is available at skibigm.org. Orchard Beach State Park is located on Lake Michigan just north of Manistee. It offers 2.5 miles of trails. Which trails are Blakey-Shell’s favorites? “For sure Big M is my favorite for classic and Crystal is my favorite for skating,” BlakeyShell said. “That said, the trail park is where I ski more than anywhere because it is so quick to get there and the conditions tend to consistently be pretty good compared to trails closer to the coastline.” Among the newest developments in local ski trails is the addition of more trails in the Ludington Urban Singletrack System. “That makes it so you can bounce between the different trails with less road riding,” he said, noting that those trails are in three areas just
north of Ludington – Cartier Park, Memorial Tree Park and the Ludington School Forest. Further information is available at shorelinecyclingclub.com. Blakey-Shell also noted that the Big M has a new equipment storage building and new ski and fat bike brooming implements which has improved the quality of grooming. Other trail systems in the area include: • 16 miles of trails at Ludington State Park, located on Lake Michigan five miles north of Ludington; • 10.1 miles of trails at MacKenzie Cross Country Ski Trails at Caberfae Peaks Ski and Golf, located on M-55 just east of the Manistee-Wexford county line; and • Eight areas for cross country skiing in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located just north of Benzie County. VENTURE: FALL 2020
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Dry Hills Trail
Family-friendly outdoor activities Children who spend a lot of time outdoors benefit from exposure to nature in myriad ways, some of which may surprise even the most devoted outdoorsmen. According to a 2006 study published in the journal Human Dimensions of Wildlife, fifth graders who attended school at a local prairie wetlands where lessons in science, math and writing were integrated in an experimental way had significantly stronger reading and writing skills than their peers who attended more traditional schools. Another study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that holding a class outdoors one day a week significantly improved the daily cortisol patterns of students, reducing their risk of stress and improving their ability to adapt to stress. Parents who want their children to reap the rewards of being exposed to the great outdoors can encourage educators to incorporate nature into school curriculums 20 MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE
and also embrace these family-friendly outdoor activities.
outside, where families can tell scary stories as they make s’mores.
• Nature treasure hunt: A treasure hunt in nature can keep kids engaged on family hiking excursions and provide an excellent opportunity for parents to teach children about the assortment of plants, birds and wildlife that live in the parks and along the trails near their home.
• Stargaze: Stargazing is another way families can spend time outdoors and learn a few things at the same time. Some blankets, a thermos of hot cocoa and a chart of constellations can provide the perfect complement to a sky full of bright stars. If visibility is compromised in the backyard, find a local spot where everyone can get a clear view of the night sky.
• Outdoor art class: Families don’t even need to leave their properties to spend quality time together outside. Pick a pleasant afternoon and set up an outdoor painting station, encouraging everyone to paint what they see. Fall is a great time to host an outdoor art sessions thanks to the assortment of vibrant colors that have become synonymous with autumn landscapes. • Bonfire: Outdoor activities need not be limited to daylight hours. A post-dinner backyard bonfire can entice everyone
• Fruit picking: Apple picking is a popular autumn activity, but families need not wait for the autumn harvest to enjoy a day picking fruit or vegetables at a nearby farm. Visit a local farm during its harvest season, teaching children about how the foods they love are grown and eventually make it to the family dinner table. Families looking to spend more time together in the great outdoors can look to a number of activities people of all ages can enjoy.
Continued from page 12 leaves hold onto their olive coloration longer, according to a fall color dial on the visitor bureau’s website. Areas of the northern-most latitude will start to show color earlier than more southern areas. Generally speaking, the leaf-viewing season begins in late September and runs through early November for much of North America. Peak times for viewing depend on areas of travel and time of year. For large swaths of Canada and the United States, plan trips for late-September to midOctober. The Weather Channel offers maps and charts at www. weather.com/maps/fall-foliage for the peak times for many areas of the U.S.
For earlier colors, the visitors bureau recommends the inland tour of US-31. This three-hour, 175 mile route features the mature hardwoods of Manistee National Forest. The coastline route, along with the nationally recognized M-22 highway, is suggested for later fall color tours. While the area’s vibrant reds, yellows and oranges can be enjoyed throughout much of the season, Northwest Michigan is expected to see its peak leaf color between Oct. 1-17, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. For more information, visit the Visit Manistee County website at www. visitmanisteecounty.com/ fallcolor.
Continued from page 13 The North Country Trail is principally a hiking trail that runs through the heart of the Manistee National Forest, but several sections are open to mountain bikes. They are allowed from the Marilla trailhead on Beers Road in northeast Manistee County to Dilling Road (21 miles) and from M-55 to Bowman Lake in Lake County (41 miles). Be sure to consult maps available at at the Huron-Manistee National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/hmnf) so you know which sections of the trail are not open to mountain biking – such as the section between Dilling Road and M-55. In northern Manistee County Arcadia Dunes offers 12 miles of bike trails. The St. Pierre parking area is located on M-22 near the Manistee-Benzie county line. Crystal Mountain, located just north of Manistee County on M-115, has miles of biking trails for riders of all abilities. The Betsie River Pathway winds for eight miles along the Bestie River. The first of two loops contains mostly flat terrain, winding through the woods for 6.6 miles. The second of the two loops is 2.8 miles that contains more varied terrain through meadow and wooded areas. The
Betsie River Pathway connects to Crystal Mountain’s Aspen Trail. The Betsie River Pathway trailhead is on Longstreet Road, just northwest of Crystal Mountain. The City of Ludington is home of the Ludington Urban Singletrack Trail System. There are three sections of trail linked by streets. The School Forest section, accessible from Bryant Road or Sherman Street, is fairly flat and offers mixed use trails that are wider for beginners. Once comfortable on the mixed use, riders can transition to the singletrack trails in Memorial Tree Park, located on Ivanhoe Street. The third area is the Dragon at Cartier Park, located on Lakeshore Drive. There is a bike trail connecting the Dragon and the trails at Memorial Tree Park. Maps are available at shorelinecyclingclub.org. The longest dedicated bike trail in the area is the Betsie Valley Trail, which runs 22 miles from Thompsonville to Frankfort in Benzie County. Trailhead parking is available in Thompsonville, Beulah, Elberta and Frankfort. Visit betsievalleytrail.org for more information.
BICYCLE ROUTES For those of us who prefer bicycling on hard surfaced roads, there are plenty of places for safe riding in this part of Michigan, including two U.S. bicycle routes that converge in Ludington. The federal bicycle routing system identifies the best roads for long-distance cycling. U.S. Bicycle Route 20 is an east-west route of just over 300 miles from Marine City on the east side of Michigan to Ludington on the west. Route 20 enters the area in Lake County, running through Luther and then on to Free Soil and then Ludington. U.S. Bicycle Route 35 is a 500 mile northsouth route that runs from Indiana through Michigan – entering the state at New Buffalo and generally following the Lake Michigan shoreline to the Mackinaw Bridge and through the Upper Peninsula to Sault Ste. Marie. In northwest Michigan, route 35 runs through the most beautiful scenery from Ludington to Manistee, Onekama, Arcadia and Frankfort on the way to the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Suttons Bay and Traverse City. Maps of U.S. bicycle routes are available at michigan.gov/mdot.
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